I've been thinking about different ways to get more power out of my 86 trans am. I thought about super/turbocharging the stock 305, but decided against it because it have 161k miles on it and I don't wanna blow it up. So my next plan was to either swap it with a used sbc engine or a used ls engine. My budget is around $3,500 and I wanted some opinions or ideas for what kind of engine I could get to swap. This also isn't all about power, I think it might be more beneficial to swap because I don't want to sink too much money into the current engine. Any input would be nice.

Thanks!

 

Assuming you're doing all the work yourself, your budget will pretty much limit you to dropping in a 350 crate motor. You also need to consider the condition of the rest of the powertrain, suspension, and brakes on a car with that much mileage on it.

I specifically advise against putting any $$$ into that 305. Don't do it.

 

Correct. $3500 wont get you very far, especially after you upgrade the exhaust (headers back). A 350 crate or used core is your best bet. You could keep the same wiring and everything from your current motor.